“The Essence Music Festival is privileged to have over forty artists spanning the R&B, funk, soul, classics, hip-hop and neo-soul genres gathering to celebrate the Roots of R&B this Fourth of July weekend,” says Essence Communications President Michelle Ebanks. “We are looking forward to three nights of amazing performances, featuring an all-star cast of trailblazers such as El Debarge and New Edition; legends such as Chaka Khan and George Clinton and Parliament Funkadelic; and fan favorites like Mary J. Blige and Trey Songz. There will be even more exciting performers announced soon!”